Adventure is out there this Christmas weekend, and not just the high-tech gadgetry and stunts found in the latest “Mission: Impossible” film.

The first of two Steven Spielberg movies this holiday season, “The Adventures of Tintin” is a motion-capture thrill ride with the energy and fun of Spielberg’s Indiana Jones franchise and the Saturday morning serial-adventures that originally inspired “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Spielberg’s much more serious film, “War Horse,” opens Christmas Day.

Based on the world-famous comic series by Herge, “Tintin” follows the exploits of a young reporter and his faithful dog, Snowy. This story introduces Tintin (Jamie Bell) to the perpetually drunk Captain Haddock (motion-capture king Andy Serkis), who is the last limb in a family tree of heroes and adventurers. Together they hope to find the secret treasure of The Unicorn, the legendary ship captained by Haddock’s famous ancestor, Sir Francis. Only cryptic clues, thousands of miles and the nefarious Sakharine (Daniel Craig) stand in their way.

“Tintin” is wall-to-wall action, with fist fights, shootouts and chases by land, air and sea. It’s a bit relentless, save for some lighter moments with bumbling police officers Thomson and Thompson (the dynamic duo of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg). Luckily, Spielberg knows his way around large scale set pieces, and the motion-capture allows him to move the camera through complicated action sequences that would be impossible in live-action.

Perhaps a bit shallow in the story department, “Tintin” at least has a lyrical energy about it, and there are more than a few breathtaking sequences, notably a single-shot motorcycle chase that levels an entire city. The pooch is lovable, and Serkis again proves to be a powerful, human presence behind all the technical wizardry.

Some will still be bothered by the glass-eyed, zombie look of the motion-capture humans. It’d be less distracting if the animators could make the characters blink a little more often. No matter. With an action connoisseur like Spielberg behind the camera, there isn’t much time for lingering close-ups.

I wish I could say “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” remained as captivating throughout its numerous fist fights and high-wire exploits. Sadly, even the natural chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law can’t save this sequel from a lingering case of “been there-done that.”

Picking up almost immediately after the events of the first film, Holmes turns his brilliant detective skills to the complex web of intrigue woven by the villainous Professor Moriarty (an excellent Jared Harris). The professor’s evil endgame doesn’t much matter… Holmes and Dr. Watson stand in his way, making for some explosive battles of brawn and wits (but mostly brawn).

Director Guy Ritchie continues with his hyper-cutting editing style, and that gimmick of watching Holmes plan out his fist fights before they begin is back for the sequel and used probably eight or nine times.

Downey and Law own these roles, and the quieter scenes between the bickering partners are the best moments in “A Game of Shadows.” Unfortunately, the movie loses its way for a long stretch, with too much action without much consequence. Rachel McAdams returns for a token cameo as Irene Adler, while Noomi Rapace (the original “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) is given almost nothing to do as a luminous gypsy tied to Moriarty’s plot.

For those that hang in there, “A Game of Shadows” finishes strong as the movie settles into an intellectual showdown between Holmes and Moriarty. It’s a great ending, though it makes the forgettable second act all the more frustrating.

Perhaps Holmes should stop poisoning poor Dr. Watson’s dog and let him join in on the next adventure.

The Adventures of Tintin: A-
Sherlock Homes: A Game of Shadows: B-